Battery Trickle Chargers

[Ian B]

Recently, due to other commitments, I haven't had much use out of my 350i but when I do get chance to go for a blast there's no juice in the battery.
Can anyone recommend a good trickle charger which is self-monitoring so I can just leave it plugged in for a few weeks at a time?

Thanxalot!

[jmorgan]

Tried Leven
Under TVR-Hoods and bits
How long is it left before flat etc?

>> Edited by jmorgan on Tuesday 10th December 12:23

[Ian B]

jmorgan said: Tried Leven
Under TVR-Hoods and bits
How long is it left before flat etc?


It seems to go flat in about 3 weeks. What d'ya reckon, could it need a new battery?
Also, I get a bluey-green deposit building up on the + terminal, I tried greasing the connection but it still comes back. Don't know how to prevent that.

[whatever]

jmorgan said: Tried Leven
Under TVR-Hoods and bits

I've recently invested in the Leven charger and it seems to do the job very well indeed.

Dunno about the deposits, though.

[jmorgan]

With mine its about 2 weeks then the battery gets tired but thats alarmed and imobilised so I would expect that. Due to circumstnces one time it just managed 2 very sluggish turns then fired after a 3 week stint of no starting. Not sure about the deposit though. I would expect it maybe with a poor ungreased connection?

[Ian B]

Thanks for the info guys. It seems normal that it's flat after a few weeks then.
I'll get myself that Leven charger, it's only £45.

[andymadmak]

I bought a little Draper unit from Halfords (19 quid)
it looks like a mobile phone charger.
It won't charge a battery up, but it does keep a charged battery in tip top condition. The Battery can be left connected to the car for indefinate periods. The "charger" just clips on when you need it. Copes with alarm drain and stuff easily.
Cheers
Andy 400se

[whatever]

andymadmak said: I bought a little Draper unit from Halfords (19 quid)
it looks like a mobile phone charger.
It won't charge a battery up, but it does keep a charged battery in tip top condition. The Battery can be left connected to the car for indefinate periods. The "charger" just clips on when you need it. Copes with alarm drain and stuff easily.
Cheers
Andy 400se

The leven thingy does the same sort of thing; it's ideal for longer-term use (AIUI).

I realise it's 20-odd quid dearer, but it also has the advantage that it'll charge the battery if the car's not been used for a period. I did consider both items.

[jvaughan]

Solar Battery Chargers now £5 off from Maplin's

I bought one a few weeks ago.. cost £20 .. now retailing at £15.
good output even at low light levels.. ideal for when the car is layed up at le-mans